The Village Idiot (3.31.2023)

[Alan T]

Time for an abridged version of the Village Idiot!

Who is Nick Vega?

Prior to this spring, if you asked casual baseball fans, "Who is Nick Vega?", the results would range from some porn star to a Las Vegas lounge singer. The name Nick Vega became a common household name this Spring thanks to his performance in the World Baseball Classic. The young 24 year old minor leaguer got a shot to play for Team USA and did not disappoint. Vega was named one of the runner ups for POOL B MVP at the FOOL WBC, and was among the leaders in Home Runs.

The Rightfielder is the top prospect in the New York Heroes organization, and after the Heroes made the FOOL Classic the last two years, the last thing the rest of the Republic League wants is for them to gain another tool in their arsenal. If anyone had any doubts regarding his being ready for Major League Ball, those were shattered during the Spring. New York upper management have been making it clear that they don't feel the kid needs to pressure himself, especially in the league's top media market. They are obviously high on his future however.

.... and Canada's team is.....

Usually during this time of year, avid sports fans in Canada are debating whether or not the Toronto Maple Leaves or the Montreal Canadians are "Canada's team". Due to recent success however for the Edmonton Edge and Montreal Majestics, that debate has crossed over into FOOL. It is not simply just a french speakers vs english speakers division as there is also a devide between long time Montreal fans and the newer, younger generation that tend to sport Edmonton colors.

Despite getting the best of them lately, Edmonton fully realizes that Montreal has a longer history and more Championships. Montreal players aren't willing to give the Edge any bulletin board material though, as they to a player fully admit that the Edge were the champs and have to be considered the team to beat. It is still unknown however what part last spring's World Baseball Classic will play on this rivalry, as many of the Team Canada's members are also Montreal Majestics, such as Emmett Quero, J.D. Blackmore and others. Meanwhile, loyal Team Canada fans got to watch Edmonton starting pitchers Kieran Browne and Johnny Catron help send Team USA past them.


And the winners are....

We will make this quick... Montreal and Edmonton again in the CL. Over in the RL, New York and Ann Arbor make it to call for a repeat of last year's playoffs. The difference is Ann Arbor wins it all this year.

[Chief Rum]

Boo, no Hammersmith!

J/K...good read as always, VI.

FWIW, I don't think my Hooligans have the arms to stick out a run, although the hitting should be fine.

Good luck to everyone today!